Assessing the Impact on the Environment

8.Scottish Natural Heritage

Page 4

SNH also had to consider the impacts of visitors upon these fragile environments. The main effects of visitors on vegetation was the direct impact caused by trampling which was resulting in the fragmentation of vegetation cover. There was also concentrated damage along footpaths as well as damage caused by visitors wandering from footpaths. Indeed, around the main summits, viewpoints and along the rim of the Northern Corries, levels of damage were high.

Therefore, SNH identified a number of key objectives; to maintain the integrity and diversity of the natural heritage of the Cairngorms, to ensure land management and recreation was compatible, to raise visitor awareness of the effects of disturbance and damage on sensitive habitats and encourage the responsible use of the site and to develop the educational and interpretive potential of the site. SNH did not object to the funicular in principal if the above objectives were met.

Climbers and walkers have caused some damage around the rim of the Northern Corries.

Climbers on the Northern Corries